Risk Of Death, Minister Of Health Urges The Public Not To Use Antibiotics Without A Doctor's Recipe

Medicine illustration (pixbay)

The Minister of Health (Menkes) of the Republic of Indonesia, Budi Gunadi Sadikin, reminded the public not to buy and use antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. This was conveyed in the peak commemoration of the 2024 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week, Sunday, December 8.

"Don't buy antibiotics yourself, it must be with a doctor's prescription. That is the most important thing for our society," said Minister of Health Budi, as quoted by ANTARA.

Minister of Health Budi emphasized that the use of antibiotics that are not in accordance with the rules can trigger bacterial resistance. This condition makes bacteria in the body immune to antibiotics.

"Instead of the bacteria being killed by antibiotics, the bacteria actually become more immune and become resistance. This is very dangerous for the health of the human body," he explained.

He also reminded the importance of consuming antibiotics according to the dosage and duration recommended by the doctor. "If a doctor gives a prescription to take once or twice a day for 3-5 days, then you have to drink it until it runs out. Don't stop in the middle of the road," he added.

Minister of Health Budi highlighted the high level of use of antibiotics in Indonesia which has caused antibiotic pollution in the environment. He mentioned that excessive use of antibiotics is one of the main causes of the pandemic silent phenomenon, namely antimicrobial resistance.

Therefore, he asked doctors to be more proactive in providing education to the public about the risk of using antibiotics carelessly.

"We urge the public to use antibiotics wisely so that the risk of anti-microbial resistance can be minimized," he concluded.

The phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global health. The use of antibiotics that are not wise can reduce the effectiveness of treatment, prolong illness, increase treatment costs, and increase the risk of death.

With the right education and precautions, the Minister of Health hopes that Indonesia can avoid the bad effects of antimicrobial resistance.